Daniel Ritchie

Raleigh/Durham, NC

Daniel Ritchie was born without arms and told for years that he was a hopeless mistake, woefully insufficient and unable to lead a full life. Though, as a pastor, writer, sought-after conference speaker, above-average driver, husband and father, who enjoys wrestling with his kids, reading, drinking coffee, watching football and enjoying the outdoors … it seems he’s having the last laugh.

He relishes any opportunity to encourage others and share his story and Lord.

Decade of experience in student ministry

Seasoned, sought-after and well-traveled speaker

Degrees in both Biblical Studies and History of Ideas from The College at Southeastern.

Dealing with suffering, pain

Depression/issues of self-worth

Overcoming obstacles

Bullying

Discipleship, leadership

To book Daniel to speak for your next event, get in touch with us using the form at the bottom of this page. Or, email us with the details of your event and we’ll be in touch!

‘Christ is better.’ I knew Daniel when he was a middle and high school student and watched him struggle into an embrace of these truths. It was, and is, a beautiful story that moves me to wonder and gratefulness. This story will show you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made and that your worth in Christ is far better than all the arms in the universe.

“My Affliction for His Glory is a meaningful and stirring reflection on Christian faithfulness in the midst of life’s trials. In it, Daniel Ritchie draws upon his experience of suffering to help us find our hope and Christ no matter how difficult the circumstances or deep the doubts. I enjoyed every moment of it and came away challenged in my walk with the Lord. Highly recommended.

I’ve known Daniel for many years and his life story is a testimony of the transformative power of the Gospel and the resilience provided by Christ’s indwelling Spirit. Reading Daniel’s story will inspire you to never say never and to endeavor to accomplish difficult things. More importantly, Daniel’s story will remind readers that grace is often the clearest when the days seem the darkest. I came away from reading My Affliction For His Glory with the incredible reminder that for the believer, there is no such thing as purposeless pain.

—Dayton Hartman, lead pastor of Redeemer Church (Rocky Mount, NC); adjunct professor, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; author of Church History for Modern Ministry and Lies Pastors Believe

What an incredibly important story for our culture to embrace: our affliction gives God glory and is for our good. Daniel’s story is absolutely beautiful, inspiring, challenging, and honest. I found myself mesmerized as he described his pain and struggle while still elevating the goodness and purposes of God. Daniel’s story will make you love Jesus more and want to surrender all you have (no matter what) to chase after Him.

—Aaron Ivey, worship pastor, The Austin Stone

New Book:MY AFFLICTION FOR HIS GLORY

Adversity can lead to doubt at the deepest levels. Comparing ourselves to others who (seem or pretend to) have it “all together,” can lead us to wonder ‘what’s wrong with me?’ Our troubles and obstacles many times seem beyond our ability to conquer. And tackling every day tasks, let alone things like purpose, love, or faith, can seem an impossibility.

This was all once the case, too, for Daniel Ritchie. Daniel was born without arms.

In My Affliction, Daniel explains how he found identity, value and purpose and was freed from the debilitating comparisons and limits placed on him by others. His story will undoubtedly inspire readers to tackle life’s challenges with grace and creativity.

WHY IT’S RELEVANT

Middle school and high school students are struggling today with identity in a way they never have before

In a pro-choice culture, Daniel’s story points to the value of every life

The proliferation of the ‘why me?’ culture of entitlement, victimhood

Culture’s proclivity to encourage and welcome those confused by/angry with God into a permanent state of disillusionment, bitterness

God has always used the different and marginalized among us to advance His story. How is that true today?